Best Places to Eat in Portland, Maine

Portland is home to some of the best restaurants in the country. With a stunning coastal setting and a vibrant city life, it comes to no surprise that some famous bites reside downtown. So download the GirlCrew app, find your foodie squad, and check out our choices for the best places to eat in Portland!

At the Back Bay Grill, the food tastes better than it looks—and it looks pretty spectacular. Known for their exquisite seafood and wine, the Back Bay Grill has been one of Portland’s best since 2002. While it is a fine dining restaurant, Chef Larry Matthews invites all to try his food masterpieces, and I can promise you won’t be disappointed.

Hot Suppa

Grab a made-from-scratch breakfast here at Hot Suppa located on Congress St. in downtown Portland. Hot Suppa serves up breakfast and lunch seven days a week, and dinner five days a week. Known for their corned beef hash breakfast and fried chicken and waffles, this food joint is a must stop on a snowy Sunday morning. So, wrap your hand around a warm cup of coffee and watch the snowfall inside the cozy atmosphere of Hot Suppa.

Duckfat

Oh, french fries. An American favorite. You won’t find a better french fry restaurant than Duckfat, which holds some of Portland’s most famous foods. At Duckfat, their belgian-style fries are deep fried in, you guessed it, duck fat. Served alongside your choice of five dipping sauces, you’ll be snacking on the great Maine potato all night long. While you’re at it, be sure to order one of their iconic milkshakes that’ll pair perfectly with those yummy fries.

Drifters Wife

Cafe in the front, wine shop in the back. What more could you ask for? At the Drifters Wife, husband and wife Peter and Orenda Hale bring in Brooklyn flair while appreciating the coastal environment of Portland. They first opened their own wine shop: Maine & Loire, with shelves filled of classic French and Italian natural wines. Shortly thereafter, they decided to split the shop in two, creating an award-winning cafe in seconds. Serving up fresh fish and local produce, the Drifters Wife is the one place where you can have a great glass of wine, and buy the same bottle on the way out.

Eventide Oyster Co.

When you’re in Maine, you have to try the oysters. At Eventide Oyster Co., you’ll be able to indulge in some of the best oysters the state has to offer. Choose from a variety of cold oysters and pair it with some sweet or savory cocktails. Enter the sleek and bright atmosphere of Eventide and embrace the vibrant culture of Portland as you try some of the state’s best dishes.

Central Provisions

414 Fore Street holds some of the best food in Portland. Located inside an old provisions storehouse, the building of Central Provisions has withstood fires and economic change for over a hundred years. Known for their locally-sourced small plates, Central Provisions is a great place to gather with a group of friends and share a few apps. This historical structure has maintained its historical charm on the outside and on the inside, and is what makes Central Provisions one of the best places to eat in Portland.

Gelato Fiasco

Of course I had to throw some dessert on this list. Gelato Fiasco is not only one of the best places to eat in Portland, it is also one of the most fun places to eat in the coastal city. With Italian inspiration, Gelato Fiasco serves up the flavors of Maine at this unique dessert haven. Try flavors from Blueberry Shortcake to Maple Brown Sugar Pancakes in a crunchy waffle cone as you walk along the beautiful coast of Portland, Maine.

Already driving to one of these restaurants? Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know below! Perhaps you’ve already hit these spots up and are looking for even more options – or how about happy hour? Until then, be sure to download the GirlCrew app for more tips on the beautiful city of Portland.